Japan

The Family Policy Council has had the opportunity to work with different members of the Berkana community since 1999. To this day, Meg Wheatley’s words continue to be present in our work as a foundational piece and have helped us evolve into a powerful community of practice working on behalf of families in Washington State. Teresa Posakony, Tenneson Woolf and Bob Stilger and the work of Berkana have helped us find language to express what we already know. They have helped us learn how vital it is to carve out the time for deep reflection so that wisdom can emerge. At other times Berkana has brought new frameworks, concepts and analysis into our community which have helped us deepen our work. Always, Berkana has created a space where it has been safe for people to have conversations allowing us to learn from our past and chart our course for the future. Berkana has also helped us connect with like minded people across the country and throughout the world. We know we are part of an expanding network of people working tirelessly to create healthy and resilient communities.

Bob Stilger enters our work as a wise friend who carries an abundance of expertise, compassion and respect. His presence invites and honors the contribution of every person. Highly skilled in organizational and human dynamics and knowledgeable about useful models, methods and technologies, he gives knowledge not as a consultant, but as a committed colleague. When it’s time for bold and deep conversation, Bob speaks the truth in a gentle way that fuels hope and powerful action.

Bob is genuinely excited about his work and all the possibilities every person has to offer – the world over. He believes you make the path by walking it and by noticing what is emerging – not by looking for predetermined outcomes. He allows space and makes room for leaders to share the baton for each person has something valuable to contribute. He is not afraid to talk about his own questions and models what authentic leadership looks like. I often find myself reflecting and learning long after my time spent in the room with Bob. To me that is success!

Laura Porter, Staff Director
Washington Family Policy Council -- Olympia, Washington, USA

The Berkana Institute has helped us connect with a whole community of like-minded workers in different parts of the world who see many of the same possibilities we do to build healthy and resilient communities. We know there are others who are also working in communities to help people see and build on their strengths as they envision a better world for themselves and their families. Bob's way of being in the world – his deep curiosity and mischievous habit of challenging our thinking with a good question, has helped our work beyond measure. He showed us the basics and connected us to like-minded folk in different parts of the world, then stepped back to let the work unfold. A kind and generous soul. Thank you!

Valmae Rose
National Disability Services -- Brisbane, Queensland, Australia